In the aftermath of a campaign season that pretty much focused on everything wrong with Kansas and the nation, Friday nights Thrive Allen County banquet was a much-needed celebration of things going right.
The contrast was stark.
Area residents and groups were lauded for their efforts in growing opportunities in health and wellness, recreation, education, and economic development. Volunteers were hailed as Unsung Heroes.
Among the greatest achievements is the growth of Thrive Allen County itself.
Started 11 years ago through a $50,000 grant, the non-profit now has a $1 million budget courtesy of a wide range of state and federal grants, a staff of nine, two student interns, new headquarters, and a reach that spans the state.
(Read our coverage of the banquet here.)
Over its course, Thrive has never wavered from its singular goal of making Allen County the healthiest rural county in the state.
Which is a challenge.
Sequestered in the poorest quadrant of Kansas, Allen County has a higher percentage of poor, elderly, and basically unhealthy citizens than its urban counterparts. Were not as educated. Our communities are limited in what they can offer in terms of services.
To move the needle in a positive direction is more difficult.
THRIVES SECRET has been to engage local residents through community conversations, helping them learn not only what people want, but also how they can be of better help.
The desire for more recreational opportunities in Moran, for example, spurred Thrive to work with town leaders to start up the new fitness center, 54 Fitness.
In terms of economic development, Thrive was instrumental in helping bring G&W Foods to Iola as well as connecting the dots for the development of the Eastgate Lofts apartment complex.
For Moran, the threat of losing their lone grocery store, Stubs Market, prompted residents to reach out to Thrive to help them form a food cooperative. Today, the Marmaton Market is a stand-alone non-profit grocery.
Thrive also pushes initiatives that are difficult for communities to get their arms around, such as tobacco cessation, opioid abuse, and help in enrolling residents for health insurance through ACAs Marketplace.
